Work is beginning on a petrol station revamp before the Godalming store is refitted and extended

An extensive building project for Godalming Sainsbury’s will begin next month.

The supermarket giant plans to increase the size of its Woolsack Way store to 60,000sq-ft, along with the addition of 63 car parking spaces.

The company predicts the new store will use approximately 15% less energy than the current building, and it is claimed up to 270 new jobs will be created – 120 throughout the construction period and 150 full or part-time positions following the relaunch this autumn.

The front and side of the existing building will be extended and the store’s petrol station will be renovated, while the car park will also be enlarged and improved.

A spokesman for Sainsbury’s said the changes would create an "improved, modern shopping environment".

The new-look store will include a bigger and brighter restaurant, wider aisles with more space for shoppers, a wider choice of food ranges and non-food items, and parking for up to three hours.

The first phase of the work will involve the refurbishment of the petrol station, which closed on Monday and will remain shut until early March while the work is completed.

When re-opened, the petrol station will feature new fuel pumps, an updated car wash and a completely refurbished kiosk.

Work to expand the store’s car park and demolish two units on Langham Park will begin in mid-February before the construction and fitting out of the store’s new extension can begin.

The supermarket will remain open throughout the work, with the exception of one week prior to the relaunch.

Chuks Nwabineli, Sainsbury’s project manager, said “It is great to be starting work to improve our Godalming store. Once open, the store will create a huge economic boost to the area.

“We have appointed two contractors to undertake the works – Dakin Contractors will be working on the improvements to our petrol station and RG Group will be working on the extension of our store and car park.

“Both contractors are members of the Considerate Constructors Scheme and they will make every effort to minimise disruption and undertake the work safely, efficiently and sensitively.”

The store’s enlargement will take place at the same time as supermarket rival Tesco bids to open one of its smaller shops nearby.

While many welcome the plans for more variety at Sainsbury’s, some interest groups have raised concerns over how the 150 new staff, many of whom will work in an online goods delivery facility, will be accommodated without there being a severe impact on congestion in the Woolsack Way and Catteshall Lane area.

The president of the chamber of commerce, John Taylor, is also concerned about a loss of trade for High Street retailers.

He said: “It has come up at chamber meetings how this will affect the High Street.

“The extension is very big indeed and means the store will be selling homeware. We all said, ‘here we go again’.”

Permission was granted for the development last summer after Sainsbury’s held a public exhibition of its plans. The company claimed 80% of respondents gave positive feedback.

Those with questions about the construction project can contact Sainsbury’s community representatives by calling 0845 757 3523 or emailing sainsburys-godalming@gka.co.uk
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She has been editorial director of the online and print titles in Surrey and north-east Hampshire since 2007. Marnie previously worked at the BBC as a producer for 5 Live, having moved to national radio from BBC Sussex and Surrey.